Marjorie Nicholson Davis
Marjorie Nicholson Davis, a 55 year resident of Mercer Island, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2012. She was embraced by warm thoughts and the love of family and friends. Marjorie was the daughter of John Richard Nicholson of Michigan and Mae Prudence Biscoe of California and was born in Suisun, California on February 12, 1922. She grew up in Berkeley, graduating from University High School in Oakland in 1939. Attending the University of California, Berkeley, she earned a Bachelors of Science degree with Honors in 1943, and then attended Mills College, graduating with a degree in Occupational Therapy in 1946. With learning being one of her passions, later in life she attended the University of Washington, graduating in 1983 with a double degree in Art History and Fine Arts. She received recognition from the Lambda Rho Women’s Art Honorarium. Marjorie moved to the East Coast during World War II as a civilian in the Army, using her Occupational Therapy discipline to help veterans with disabilities returning to the United States and their new challenges. While back East, she met Albert E. Davis of New Hampshire. They were married and lived in Baltimore until moving to Mercer Island when a career at Boeing began for Albert. He passed away in 2006. Along with her lifelong passion for learning, she was always immersed and passionate for the arts – any of the arts, but particularly painting. She was also an accomplished pianist. Marjorie volunteered as a docent for many years both at the Seattle Art Museum and the Wing Luke Museum. She was always an active member in the arts community of the Women’s University Club and the Mercer Island Visual Arts League (MIVAL). She was an exhibitor at the Seattle Art Museum with examples of her jewelry work. The last two and a half years of her life left her needing more assistance than available at home. She moved into ETD Home Care in Newport Hills. Her life was full of trips to the tulip fields when in bloom, a harpist that came monthly, painting lessons, and visits from family and friends. The door was always open and welcoming. During tougher days, her care was professional, unconditionally respectful, and she passed away with dignity and peace.Marjorie is survived by her daughter Susan Davis Gorey and husband Thomas of Mercer Island, and son Brian Davis and his wife Jean, of Nordland, WA. She is also survived by her three grandsons whom she loved so deeply, Sean and Ryan Gorey of Mercer Island, Beau Davis and wife Sarah of Port Townsend. We would be remiss not to mention the love she received from and bestowed upon Megan (11) and Nathan (8) Iliuc, who covered her walls with their art, read to her, sang to her, and kept her warm with their hugs. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Mercer Island Visual Arts League. MIVAL, PO Box 134, Mercer Island, WA 98040www.MIVAL.org
